A Road Trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi

Here we are winding down the riding season, a chill is in the air, the beautiful fall color leaves have fallen from the trees, and there are only 58 days until Christmas! Wow! Does that set you back or what!

While on a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi last month we met Macy Whitney who owns the Corner Mansion Bed & Breakfast. It is a stately mansion that sits on the corner with a breathtaking view of the Mississippi river. She wants to start a bike rally in Vicksburg because so many bikers come through on trips. She shared a story of a group of Auzzies from Tasmania that visited and stayed at their Inn. One of the bikers ended up giving her 85-year-old mother, Bettye Whitney “a ride of a lifetime” on the back of his Harley-Davidson. I added the picture below, which is sure to bring a smile to your face.

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Dear Goldie,I’m so excited; I just bought a small bike to start practicing on! I actually took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class a couple years ago and I was wondering if you thought it would be okay to ask one of my close friends who rides her own bike if she would help me on a “refresher” course. She is a skilled rider and I have a lot of respect for her and value her opinion.

Lannie YatesMcPherson, Kansas

Hi Lannie,Congrats on getting your bike….the fun is about to begin! As much as you value and respect this person I would have to say, a good friend probably isn’t your best teacher. I think it is much easier to learn (which you have already accomplished through the MSF class) from a professional than from even the best-intentioned friend or relative. I would suggest you take the basic course over again as a refresher, or if you have the confidence sign up for the Experienced Rider Course and use your own bike to improve your riding skills. I have a friend whose husband tried to help her and her training lasted all of 15 minutes. He yelled at her for going too slow, and in a panic she accelerated too much, hit a curb, and dumped her bike. Sad to say, she gave up on learning to ride. Take the professional route in learning; you have a lot at stake besides your safety, like your sanity and relationship!

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Winter hibernation is upon us, so make the most of it by reading good books on the sport of motorcycling, planning a fly & ride somewhere warm, and start pouring over parts catalogs so you can plan for the accessories you want to add to your bike before spring. That in itself could take a couple months!

We have so much to be thankful for, especially the opportunities to ride, meet new friends, and see the beauty across the country; I wish for you a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Goldie Arnold

“Never rider faster than you angel can fly”

TIP OF THE MONTH: Avoiding Motorcycle Theft: When traveling and spending the night in a hotel, locate the outside security camera and park your bike within camera view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.